Also in this series

John Adams conducts his sparkling opera-oratorio El Niño, a contemporary re-imagining of the traditional nativity story told from different perspectives.

No composer in recent history has made a bigger impression in the world of opera than John Adams. Time and again his operas and works for the stage have struck a balance between the old and the new – classical forms live comfortably alongside contemporary musical techniques and traditional stories and narratives find relevance in the modern day.

El Niño explores the issues surrounding the traditional nativity story paying particular attention to the character of Mary and the journey of motherhood. The libretto, compiled by Adams himself, draws on a variety of sources from pre-Christian prophets to twentieth century Hispanic female writers. Adams responds to his text and chosen subject with music of astounding diversity and unabashed brilliance.